The structure was originally a stone grain store. Part of a wider grouping of agricultural buildings.

The requirement was for The Stopover to offer accommodation and respite.

Our point of departure was to respect the material qualities of the original (now crumbling and dilapidated) structure, balancing that with identifiably contemporary repairs and patching, insertions, and overlay.

The highly tactile materials of the original building are matched in character in the new materials selections. Minimal finishes are used. The original walls are retained with minimal patching.

Two central manoeuvres were developed –
• A pair of faceted capsules were inserted (housing the upper bedroom and a second for the pantry/bathroom spaces).
• The existing verandah was partially infilled to make a second bedroom and sitting room area.

Two axes are used to organise spatially – the central axis and the entry spine. The original level change was exploited to enhance the arrival sequence and provide a variety of spatial experiences.

The interior of the capsules contrast both the wider building and the surrounding landscape. Developed as smaller lined boxes within the larger grain storage box. Their interiors are emphasised with colour, shape and texture as smaller points of surprise and delight.

The arrival sequence is in line with many farmhouse arrangements which encourage the shedding of work clothing, with the laundry and bathroom incorporated into the entry area.

The level of reflectance of materials is deliberately kept low as a foil to the high levels of light and glare externally. Lighting is selected to continue the densely textured palette. Light level is kept low (to offset high levels of summer light) and warm (to offset winter conditions).

There’s a relationship between the darker interior palette and the landscape,, emphasising views and focussing attention outward. This increases the experience of spaciousness, and contemplation.

Photography by TBArch